MADELINE + BEN MADELINE + BEN

MADELINE + BEN

17th July 2025

From a serendipitous meeting on a dancefloor to an intimate garden ceremony - MWL Bride Maddy shares her love story with husband Ben and the details of their effortlessly elegant wedding day in April 2025. 

The couple first crossed paths on the dancefloor of Sydney’s Soda Factory, and years later exchanged vows in an intimate, outdoor ceremony at Vaucluse House. 

The groom wore a tailored ivory jacket and black trousers, and Maddy stunned in our Aire dress, an enchanting silhouette featuring a peaked pleated tulle bodice, soft drop waist, and flowing A-line skirt, paired with our Chiffon Scarf

Here, she shares her favourite moments, bridal advice and all the details that made the day so special!

WHERE DID YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR DRESS AND WHY?

As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one. It was everything I was looking for  - dropped waist, textured, full skirt but not too full. Adding on the neck scarf, it was my dream dress.

WHO PROPOSED AND HOW?

I knew it was coming eventually, but I had no idea it would be that moment. I was completely unprepared — still in my pyjamas, hair and teeth untouched, just walking the dog near my parents’ place. We wandered into the park and ended up sitting on the swings for a while. As we started swinging in sync, Ben turned to me and said, “What does it mean if you swing in time with someone?” I laughed and said, “It means you’ll be together forever.” (Still completely oblivious!)

I jumped off the swing, and Ben quickly followed. He gave me a hug and started saying the sweetest things — about me, about us, and about our future. Then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

I burst into tears, snatched the ring out of his hands for a hug, before realising he was supposed to put it on my finger! I stared at it the whole way home, before running inside to surprise Mum.

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR WEDDING STYLING OR AESTHETIC?

I wanted to keep the overall aesthetic classic and elegant. I’d always dreamed of a garden wedding, so our venue was absolutely perfect. I chose a minimal palette of whites and greens, complemented by natural forms and sculptural elements for a timeless, refined look.

WHAT WAS THE BEST MOMENT FOR YOU AT YOUR WEDDING?

Reading our vows to each other - it was a very special moment, I’ll never forget.

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR DRESS ON THE BIG DAY?

I felt a wave of nerves as I was getting ready, but the moment I went upstairs and slipped into my dress, a calm settled over me. It was everything I had hoped for—and wearing it, I felt truly beautiful. From that moment on, I was filled with excitement and completely ready to marry Ben.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU TELL OTHER BRIDES?

Things might not go exactly to plan—and that’s okay. You’re the only one who will notice the small things that don’t unfold perfectly, so don’t let them steal your joy. The truth is, none of that really matters.Take a breath. Take it all in. You have all your favourite people in one place, at one time, there to celebrate you and the love of your life. That doesn’t happen often. Pause for a moment—look around the room, feel it—and let that joy really sink in. Because that’s what you’ll carry with you forever.

WHAT ARE YOUR THREE FAVOURITE ATTRIBUTES OF YOUR PARTNER?

Kind - Ben has such a genuine way of making others feel seen and appreciated. Whether it’s a stranger or a close friend, he wants to make everyone in the room happy & feel involved. 

Supportive - If there is anything I want to do, try or change, he’ll always do his best to support and encourage. If it be an issue, an opportunity at work, or a hobby etc, he’ll provide a rational POV. He always tries to be the best version of himself, and bring out the best in me too. 

Curious - Ben always wants to learn and explore new things, whether it’s a hobby, an activity, or just a random topic. He is always trying to improve himself & put effort into his growth, in even just a small way, or to do something better/ in a different way, and become more knowledgeable.

ANY STANDOUT VENDORS YOU'D LOVE TO SHOUT OUT?

Melissah from The Flower Wonderer was an immediate yes. From our first conversation, her clarity, creativity, and confident energy stood out. She made me feel so excited about the beautiful space we were creating. Throughout the planning process, she became both a visionary and a collaborator—meeting with me multiple times to shape a design that felt elegant, sculptural, and entirely personal. I trusted her completely. Somehow, she managed to take what was in my head and translate it into something even more beautiful.

On the day, her team brought it all to life - from ceremony platforms to the incredible tulip and tulle pillar—every element felt like it belonged in a dream. It flowed perfectly through from ceremony to reception.

Mel went far beyond florals—she helped shape the entire atmosphere. I’ll always be grateful for her creativity and the way she brought our vision to life so effortlessly. It was everything we could have hoped for and more. I’ll never stop being thankful for what she created & how she made our day so special.

Catherine Nemanic, our photographer, was also seriously amazing. We’re obsessed with every image. She made us feel so comfortable and relaxed the whole day—like we could just be ourselves. She nailed the brief of candid photography, while still capturing all the key moments so beautifully. She really captured the energy, the emotion, and all the little details that made the day feel like us. We honestly couldn’t have asked for more—we’ll treasure our wedding photos forever.

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